SANBS partners with Global Citizen to end critical blood shortages

A beneficial partnership with Global Citizen and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) was announced on Thursday during a media breakfast at the Roof Garden Bar in Port Elizabeth.

This partnership aims to highlight the importance of donating blood for the #ForLife campaign.

It was revealed that South Africa is experiencing a critical shortage of blood supplied, as less than 1% of South Africans regularly donate blood.

The situation in KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, is very critical as they have less than one day’s supply of blood while the Eastern Cape is sitting on a two-day supply.

In an attempt to motivate young South Africans to donate blood, Global Citizen is offering potential donors a chance to win tickets to the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, a free-ticketed event on Sunday, 2 December 2018 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Donate blood…

Most South Africans will be in need of a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. One person donating blood can save a minimum of three lives, and with less than 1% of South Africans donating on a regular basis, there is a growing concern for SANBS.

Adding to this, a whole generation is being lost to the donor community due to aging and accompanying health challenges. With the older generation unable to donate, the responsibility lies on younger adults for the future of South Africa’s blood sustainability.

“Despite SA’s youth forming almost 50% of the population, we are critically low on donors. To increase donations, we have partnered with Global Citizen to engage the youth to donate between now and 22 November 2018 to earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100,” said Silungile Mlambo, spokesperson for the South African National Blood Service.

“It is our sincere hope that they will continue to donate once the Mandela 100 campaign is over and truly prove themselves as the generation that saves lives.”

To earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 on 2 December 2018, donors can take action and give critically needed blood. Participants can visit any SANBS donor centre or mobile drive in South Africa until 22 November 2018.

By donating blood during this time, SANBS blood donors stand to earn two tickets each, including flights (for donors outside of Gauteng), accommodation with dinner and breakfast and transfers to and from the Festival.

“We are thrilled to support this initiative and encourage Global Citizens to make regular blood donations their responsibility. It just takes 20 minutes, and with blood drives all over the country, it’s never been easier,” said Thato Noinyane, Global Citizen Partnerships Manager.

For full details on how and where to donate to earn your tickets, visit https://sanbs.org.za/. Winners will be contacted via telephone on 26 November 2018.

For more information, please engage with SANBS and Global Citizen on Twitter and Facebook, using #ForLife @TheSANBS #GlobalCitizenFestivalSA #BetheGeneration

Follow more RNEWS articles, subscribe to our YouTube channel and for breaking news LIKE us on Facebook.